Cultura d'Italia : Culture of Italy

Despite the differences that may exist among Italians, something that they all share is their culture and heritage. This is something they really cherish, appreciate and should really be proud to pass on to the next generation. 

History: 

Italian culture first started to develop during the Renaissance, a period of time that really marked and changed the people in Italy, making them expand their creativity and imagination, something that has been portrayed for many years in famous Italian artworks. Sculptures, architecture, art, music, science, language, literature, sports, and philosophy all expanded their horizons during this time. 

Italian culture is one that is recognized around the world, including famous writings, great paintings, sculptures and architecture of the great Renaissance masters, works by the amazing Galileo, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. Also including the music of Rossini, Verdi, and Puccini.  But, Italy's culture is not all in the past, Italy's culture is now thriving in cinema, fashion, design, and engineering. The following explains how certain fields became more diverse during the Renaissance.

1. Poetry:

• New forms of poetry were first introduced in the Renaissance, these being "Sonnets." These were first introduced by the famous Italian poet Petrarch, then being adapted by the famous Shakespeare, who went on to write 154 sonnets during his career.

     2. Art:

• Various styles of art are composed in Italy, two of them being Sculptures and Paintings. Italy is home to some of the greatest artists that have ever lived. This include the following: 

Michelangelo 

   

Leonardo da Vinci 

Titan 

Raphael Sanzio

    

     3. Science and Technology:

• These fields were first developed by the amazing Galileo Galilei's theory of astronomy. 

All of these major changes only occurred during a period of time, the Renaissance, but still today, they are all in constant change with new advances in science and technology and new art methods. 

Food: 

Traditional Italian food includes pasta, salami, pizza and ice cream. It also includes olives, pesto and Sicilian Caponata, as well as fresh fish and meat. Fruits and vegetables are bursting with freshness. They have unique tastes and smell. 

Their food is something that is known and loved globally. Almost every city in the world has an Italian restaurant. Many supermarkets are filled with Italian delicacies (ingredients, spices, etc.), including tomatoes, fresh cheese and meats to pasta, tomato sauce and of course, pizza. Italian food is simple to make and made only with fresh ingredients thats are grown seasonally. 

Wine: 

Wine production has been influenced by the Greeks, Etruscans and Romans. This has been taking place for many centuries now, developing techniques of wine production and storage (aging). Now, Italy is considered one of the best wine producers in the world, next to France. Apart from producing most of the wine in the world, they consume most of the wine in the world. Italy offers the a wide variation of wine, including more than 2,400 different styles. 

Music:

Italian music is the perfect blend between light and heave metallic songs. To reach this, it has been diversifying for many centuries. Many artists have taken this music to a whole new level, these including the following: 

  

1. Eros Ramazzotti 
2. Laura Pausini
3. Rita Pavone
4. Bob Dylan 
5. Adriano Calentano 
6. Andrea Bocelli 

Music is something that can be interpreted differently but still understood in every culture. Different styles or genres of Italian music include: 

1. Classical music (Opera, Sacred music, Instrumental music, Ballet) 
2. Hip Hop
3. Jazz
4. Rock 
5. Folk Music 

Language:

Italian is one of the worlds more romantic and melodic languages. It is also one of the languages that many people desire to learn. Something interesting about this language is that it actually tells the story, or history, of Italy itself, as well the as the story of the unification of the Italian people. 

Etiquette: 

Now this, this is something that is taken very seriously in Italy. They have ways of dressing, eating, meeting people, and gift giving.

1. Dressing:  

• For business, men and women are both expected to "dress to impress."
•  Men are expected to wear dark colored suites and women are expected to wear business suites or conservative dresses.
•  Elegant accessories are important for both males and females. 

     2. Meeting People: 

• Greetings are formal.
•  Usually shake hands and make eye contact with strangers. 
• If you are on relationship basis, air-kiss on both cheeks, starting with the left cheek, and a pat on the back for men. 
• Wait until invited to move to first name basis.
•  Italians are very strict with greetings and first impressions so it is important to act proper. 

     3. Gift Giving: 

• Do not give chrysanthemums for they are used in funerals. 
• Do not give red flowers for they indicate secrecy.
• Do not give yellow flowers for they indicate jealousy.
• If you bring wine to a party, make sure it is vintage, quality, not quantity. 
• Do not wrap gifts in black, for it is a traditional mourning color. 
• Do not wrap gifts in purple, for it is a sign of bad luck. 
• Gifts are usually opened when received.

     4.   Eating (Dinning):

           If invited to an Italians home:

• If the invitation says informal when it comes to clothing, still dress stylish (jacket and tie for men and elegant dress for women). 
• Punctuality is not mandatory. You may arrive 15 minutes late to a dinner and 30 minutes to a party. 
• If you are invited to a meal, bring a wrapped gift, it being chocolates or wine. 
• If you are invited to dinner and want to give flowers, have them sent that day. 

 For more information try visiting some of this links:

--> Culture of Italy 
--> Life in Italy

--> Italy- language, culture, customs and etiquette 
--> Understanding Italy